By JOSIP ZILIC
North Geelong has a three-week wait to discover the opponent it will play to stay in the top flight of the NPL in the side’s final match of the year.
The Warriors will endure the nervous wait after escaping automatic relegation with a 2-0 victory against Werribee on Sunday.
The finals-type atmosphere featured high-intensity play from both sides from the first minute.
Nikola Jurkovic came close on five minutes when he pounced on a loose ball on top of the goal square only to lift his shot slightly high.
Milan Savic had a chance to open Werribee’s account when he ran onto a through-ball but squandered his possession, which Daniel Zilic cleaned up neatly.
Just before half-time in-form Vito Cichello had a 20m attempt skim past the top corner, resulting in the teams going into the sheds 0-0 at half time.
The Warriors seized their opportunities in the second half.
In the 55th minute skipper Matt Townley drove a free kick from 40m out into the box, testing Werribee keeper Frano Saric’s reach. The ball came out the back of a pack for Michael Grgic to drive home, much to the relief of hundreds of Warriors supporters who travelled to the match.
Their relief turned to delight three minutes later Gareth Richards chested down a cross to the back post and volleyed firmly into the top right corner.
Werribee tried to throw bodies forward but Reardo Luka, Juso Julardzija and Michael Anderson thwarted its efforts, continuing to harass the defence. Anderson had two more chances, as did Richards who hit the bar in the closing stages.
The team and supporters celebrated as coach Micky Colina acknowledge them.
“We have something special here and it’s great to have the support, which hasn’t dropped all year,” he said.
“We deserved the win, we wanted it more and it showed. I’m proud of the lads and the club.
“We’ve ticked another box and need to prepare for another epic clash.”
